Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser vision correction hurt?

The actual laser procedure does not hurt as your eye is numbed by anesthetic drops prior to the treatment. After PRK you may experience some discomfort for the first few days. With LASIK you may feel some discomfort for just a few hours.

Can you guarantee 20/20 vision?

As with any surgical procedure, there are no guarantees. Although our results are extremely successful (98% of our patients no longer need glasses for driving), the results of your procedure depend on your initial prescription, your own healing characteristics, and other factors. We advise that you think of laser vision correction as a way of reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction treats a wide range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. A comprehensive eye examination performed by an eye doctor credentialed in laser vision correction care is the first step in determining whether refractive surgery is right for you. Outcomes are historically best in patients with stable vision. For this reason, the Laser Eye Center of Hawaii recommends that you be at least 21-years of age and have stable vision for the past two years. You should generally be in good health and free from any collagen vascular diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.) or eye diseases. You should not be pregnant or nursing or planning to become pregnant in the next six months. It is also important that your expectations are realistic given your eye history and lifestyle. Our network of credentialed eye doctors has been specially trained to consult with and evaluate you for laser vision correction procedures.

How long will my corrected vision last?

Once your eye has stabilized (three months with LASIK and six months with PRK), your correction is permanent. Any additional need for glasses after this period would be the result of the normal aging process that occurs with everyone.

Can both eyes be done at once?

Both eyes may be treated by LASIK or PRK during the same procedure. The advantage of bilateral surgery is that it is more convenient to have both eyes done at once. The balance in vision between your two eyes is restored more quickly. This is important, since during the period before the second procedure, you will be unable to wear a contact lens. The most conservative thing to do is to have one eye done at a time. You will be able to assess whether the procedure meets your expectations before committing to both eyes. The doctor can use the results of your first eye procedure to make appropriate modifications of the treatment to the second eye.

What is monovision?

For patients in their mid-forties who are already experiencing difficulty with reading, it is possible to treat one eye for near vision and one eye for distance vision, decreasing the necessity for both near and distance glasses. If you are considering monovision, it is possible to try it first with contact lenses.

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The difference is that with PRK, the laser is used on the surface of the eye, and in LASIK the laser is performed under a thin protective cornea flap. The long-term results for both procedures are similar. However, with LASIK, visual recovery is faster and there is less discomfort and less possible scarring. With PRK, post-operative drops are needed for three months whereas with LASIK, drops are only needed for 7 to 10 days. Since LASIK has become available, it has become the procedure of choice over PRK.

When can I drive?

With LASIK you can often drive within one to two days after the procedure depending on your initial prescription. With PRK, you should probably delay driving for a week. This also depends on whether you have one eye done at a time or if you have a simultaneous surgery.

When can I return to work?

With PRK you should plan on taking at least three days off as you will experience some discomfort and your vision will be fairly blurry. With LASIK you may return to work in one to two days.

If I need to, can I wear contact lenses after surgery?

If you have a residual refractive error and you choose not to have an enhancement, you may elect to wear contact lenses. With PRK you need to wait up to three months. With LASIK you may wear contact lenses as early as two to three weeks.

What does laser vision correction surgery cost?

The fee for PRK or LASIK will be discussed with your eye doctor. This fee includes the pre-operative evaluation, surgery, follow-up care for six months, and any enhancement procedures. This does not include the cost of temporary glasses or contact lenses (if needed) and certain prescribed eye drops and medications. Financing is available. Please ask us for information.